The Northern Illinois University men鈥檚 basketball team is set to kick off the 2026-27 season in the Field of 68 24-Hour Opening Day Marathon on November 2, facing Grambling at 2 a.m. CT. This will be the first regular-season game for the Huskies under new head coach Matt Majkrzak, who expressed excitement about starting the season at such a unique time. The event will be broadcasted live on the Field of 68's YouTube channel and X (Twitter) feed. Fans can already start purchasing season tickets for this new chapter in Huskies basketball.

By the Numbers
  • Game time: 2 a.m. CT (3 a.m. ET)
  • First game of the season for new head coach Matt Majkrzak
State of Play
  • The game marks the beginning of college basketball's regular season.
  • Northern Illinois' full non-conference schedule will be announced shortly.
What's Next

Expect more details about the complete non-conference schedule and ticket information as the November opener approaches. The event kicks off a busy season for the Huskies, paving the way for their performance under new coaching leadership.

Bottom Line

Kickstarting the season in the early hours is not just a unique opportunity for the Huskies; it sets a tone for an exciting new chapter under Coach Majkrzak. Fans eager to support the team can secure their season tickets now, anticipating a thrilling season ahead.